AEW Collision: Recent Broadcast Issues, Fan Reactions, and What’s Next
All Elite Wrestling’s Saturday night showcase, AEW Collision, recently found itself in the spotlight—not just for its main event action, but due to unexpected broadcast issues that left fans and critics buzzing. Let’s break down what happened, explore official updates, and consider how AEW is addressing these challenges going forward.
AEW Collision’s Unexpected Broadcast Problems
On May 18, 2025, AEW fans tuning in live to AEW Collision on TNT expected the usual two-hour spectacle. However, many found the broadcast abruptly ended after just 90 minutes. According to coverage by WhatCulture, the early cutoff was unplanned. AEW President Tony Khan quickly addressed the situation, citing "technical issues with the transmission." East Coast viewers were the first affected, and the issue bizarrely persisted for the West Coast broadcast as well.
What made the night even more unusual was the programming that replaced Collision: the superhero film Black Adam, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. This unexpected transition sparked a flurry of social media reactions, with some fans humorously linking The Rock’s involvement to wrestling storylines. In terms of missed action, the live audience missed bouts featuring Dustin Rhodes, Sammy Guevara, Lio Rush, Action Andretti, and a main event pitting Powerhouse Hobbs against Wheeler Yuta.
AEW’s Response and Technical Updates
In the immediate aftermath, Tony Khan posted updates across social platforms (notably X). He assured fans that the full AEW Collision episode would soon be available for streaming. However, updates from Wrestling Inc. reported continued delays, with even HBO Max users unable to access the full show the following day. According to the Wrestling Observer Radio, the incident was a serious one, prompting ongoing troubleshooting and further investigation by both AEW and TNT. For international fans watching via Triller, the episode aired fully but suffered from graphic issues.
How Fans and the Wrestling Community Reacted
The broadcast hiccup led to considerable frustration among the AEW Collision fanbase. Many took to social platforms to share their disappointment over missing key matches and segments. Reports from Wrestlezone highlighted the community’s disbelief at seeing Black Adam replace live wrestling mid-show. Despite the inconvenience, AEW’s rapid acknowledgment and open communication were appreciated by many viewers, showcasing the company’s commitment to its audience.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AEW Collision?
Technical setbacks can happen, even for established sports entertainment brands like AEW. The recent problems mark one of AEW Collision’s biggest broadcast hurdles to date, but the show’s overall growth and production quality remain strong. AEW and TNT have committed to resolving these issues and restoring confidence in future broadcasts.
For those who missed out, continue to monitor official AEW channels and streaming partners for full episode availability. As the promotion adapts to new challenges, fans can expect even greater transparency and improvements moving forward.
Conclusion
AEW Collision remains a cornerstone of Saturday night wrestling, even as it navigates the occasional hurdle. If you want to learn more about the night’s disruptions, check out the comprehensive report on WhatCulture or get the latest technical updates from Wrestling Inc.. Stay tuned, and don’t miss the next action-packed episode of AEW Collision!